Nishith Sutram

This document is a detailed summary and translation of the Nishith Sutram, a significant Jain text. It's a prescriptive text outlining rules and regulations for Jain monks and nuns (specifically the Shvetambar Terapanthi sect, as indicated by the publisher and the reverence for Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri). The summary is based on the provided text, which appears to be a Gujarati edition with accompanying commentary (Churni Bhashya Avachuri).

Here's a breakdown of the key information and a comprehensive summary of the text's content based on the provided pages:

Book Details:

• Title: Shree Nishith Sutram (श्री-निशीथसूत्रम्)
• Author(s): Ghasilalji Maharaj, Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj (with commentary by Ghasilalji Maharaj and compiled by Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj)
• Publisher: Jain Shastroddhar Samiti (जैन शाश्तोद्धार समिति)
• Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 2025 / Veer Samvat 2495 / 1969 CE
• Key Figure: Supported by Seth Shri Kanuga Dhingadamalji Mooltanmalji Kuvaad (श्रेष्ठी श्री कानुगा-धींगड़मलजी मुलतानमलजी कवाड) who funded its publication.

Core Purpose of Nishith Sutram:

The Nishith Sutram is a Ched Sutra (छेदनसूत्र), meaning it deals with "cutting" or "severing" of actions that lead to sin and spiritual downfall. Its primary purpose is to guide ascetics (monks and nuns) in maintaining strict adherence to Jain principles, particularly concerning conduct, discipline, and avoiding even the subtlest forms of himsa (violence) and aparigraha (non-possession). It details various prohibitions and their associated penances, essentially acting as a guide for the purification of conduct (achara shuddhi) and atonement for transgressions.

Structure and Content:

The text is structured into 19 Uddeshkas (उद्देशक - chapters or sections), each dealing with specific categories of conduct and prohibitions. The provided text includes a detailed table of contents (विषयानुक्रमणिका) for all 19 Uddeshkas, along with the initial commentary and the first few sutras (verses) and their explanations.

Key Themes and Prohibitions (as seen in the Uddeshka summaries):

The Nishith Sutram is highly detailed and covers a vast range of situations encountered by ascetics in their daily life, focusing on what is forbidden. The Uddeshkas can be broadly categorized by their subject matter:

Early Uddeshkas (1-3):

• Prohibitions related to physical actions and hygiene: Restrictions on manual labor (hastakarma), touching or manipulating parts of the body (angadan), using certain objects (suchi, pippalak, nakhachhedanak, karnashodhanak), using specific vessels (alabu, dandaka), improper use of clothing, and interacting with outsiders (anyatirthika) in prohibited ways.
• Rules regarding food and drink: Restrictions on consuming certain types of food, handling them incorrectly, or accepting them from specific sources.
• Cleanliness and rituals: Prohibitions related to cleaning oneself and the environment, and handling objects used for these purposes.

Middle Uddeshkas (4-10):

• Interactions with society and authorities: Rules concerning interaction with kings (raja), royal officials, other religious sects (anyatirthika), and householders (grihastha).
• Rules related to alms-seeking (bhiksha): Strict guidelines on where, when, and how to seek alms, including prohibitions on entering certain types of households or accepting food under specific circumstances.
• Specific prohibitions related to daily life: Rules about speech (avoiding harsh or false words), carrying things, using specific tools or items, and engaging in certain activities like singing, laughing, or even looking at certain things.
• Rules about living spaces: Prohibitions regarding the places ascetics can reside or visit, including restrictions in homes, public places, and religious sites of other sects.
• Monogamy and relationships: The text touches upon rules concerning relationships and the prevention of inappropriate conduct, especially in relation to the opposite sex.

Later Uddeshkas (11-19):

• More specific and nuanced prohibitions: These often build upon earlier themes and delve into finer details of prohibited actions.
• Special emphasis on purity and intention: The text frequently addresses actions that might seem minor but are prohibited due to their potential for himsa, attachment, or violation of ascetic discipline.
• Prohibitions related to specific times and places: Rules become more granular, specifying restrictions during certain times of the day or night, or in particular types of locations.
• Disciplinary actions and penances: The text implies that violations have consequences, often leading to prescribed penances (prayaschitta), as indicated by the concluding phrases in some Uddeshka summaries.
• Examples of specific prohibitions:
  • Uddeshka 11: Restrictions on certain types of clothing, studying specific scriptures, and interacting with non-Jains.
  • Uddeshka 12: Prohibitions related to handling wood, carrying items, interaction with specific groups, and even bathing practices.
  • Uddeshka 13: Rules about physical actions like cleaning, touching, using specific substances, and dealing with impurities.
  • Uddeshka 14: Prohibitions related to crafts, metals, and specific types of vessels.
  • Uddeshka 15: Detailed rules on alms-seeking, interactions with householders, and specific food prohibitions.
  • Uddeshka 16: Restrictions on association with householders, fire-users, and specific rituals.
  • Uddeshka 17: Extensive rules on prohibited actions like causing harm to living beings, improper speech, inappropriate interactions, and the use of certain items.
  • Uddeshka 18: Detailed prohibitions regarding boats, travel, and associated actions.
  • Uddeshka 19: Restrictions on consuming prohibited substances, improper speech, and specific interactions.

The Commentary (Churni Bhashya Avachuri):

The commentary by Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj and compiled by Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj is crucial for understanding the text. It provides:

• Elaborations on the meaning of terms: Explaining the etymology and context of specific Jain technical terms.
• Explanations of prohibitions: Detailing why certain actions are forbidden, often citing the principles of ahimsa, aparigraha, and the protection of subtle living beings (nigod).
• Analogies and examples: Using stories and analogies to illustrate the rules and their significance.
• Contextualization within Jain philosophy: Connecting the rules to broader Jain ethical and spiritual principles.
• Prachint and penances: Briefly mentioning the consequences of violating these rules, often in terms of prayaschitta (penance).

Overall Significance:

The Nishith Sutram, through its meticulous and often strict guidelines, aims to cultivate a life of extreme renunciation, mindfulness, and non-violence for Jain ascetics. It emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance (samiti) and carefulness (gupti) in every action, thought, and word to prevent even the slightest transgression that could lead to karmic accumulation. The detailed nature of the prohibitions reflects the Jain emphasis on the minutiae of ascetic practice for spiritual liberation.

In essence, the provided text gives a glimpse into the rigorous code of conduct that governs the lives of Jain ascetics, ensuring their adherence to the highest principles of samyama (restraint) and ahimsa (non-violence).